Thomas Partey
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Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police announced on Friday, July 4, 2025. The charges relate to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.
The announcement comes just four days after Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, leaving the 32-year-old Ghanaian international as a free agent. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the charges are as follows: two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. The Metropolitan Police began investigating the allegations in February 2022, following an initial report of rape. Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though his identity was not disclosed publicly at the time. Despite the ongoing investigation, Partey remained active at Arsenal, making 52 appearances during the 2024/25 season.
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Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, confirmed the charges were authorised after a detailed assessment of the evidence presented by police. “Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges,” Narwal said. The CPS also reminded the public and media of the importance of responsible reporting, stressing the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process and ensure Partey’s right to a fair trial.
🚨BREAKING: Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal midfielder, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
[@Tom_Morgs] pic.twitter.com/5usdTVqdnD
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 4, 2025
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, stated: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We urge anyone who has been affected by this case or who may have relevant information to contact us.” The Met Police provided the email address CIT@met.police.uk for individuals wishing to share information.
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Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 after the Gunners triggered his £45 million (€50 million) release clause. Though he was a regular presence in Mikel Arteta’s midfield when fit, his Arsenal career was frequently disrupted by injuries. His departure followed contract talks that reportedly broke down over wage demands.
While Arsenal have not issued an official statement in response to the charges, ESPN reports the club was contacted for comment. The timing of the charges, coming immediately after Partey’s departure, has raised questions regarding the club’s long-standing awareness of the investigation. Multiple reports suggest Arsenal were informed of the allegations as early as 2022, though no internal disciplinary measures were publicly disclosed at the time.
The case now enters a critical legal phase, with Partey expected to appear in court in early August. The charges are likely to spark renewed debate over the responsibilities of football clubs when dealing with players under criminal investigation.
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